Open presidential vote in Latvia one step closer to reality

Take note – story published 5 years ago

The Latvian parliament on September 20 in the second reading supported Constitutional amendments, stipulating that the President of Latvia is elected in an open vote.

The amendments were supported by 81 lawmakers, while Valdis Kalnozols (Greens and Farmers Union), Liga Kozlovska (Greens and Farmers Union) and Janis Vucans (Greens and Farmers Union) voted against it. Valdis Skujins (Greens and Farmers Union) abstained, but three lawmakers did not participate in the vote.

Presently the president is elected by the parliament in a secret ballot, the only vote of its kind in the Saeima. 

The parliament still has to adopt the bill in the third and final reading. According to the timeline, it could be done before the upcoming parliament elections on October 6.

In order to adopt Constitutional amendments, at least two thirds of lawmakers should participate in the vote and at least two thirds of the present lawmakers should support the amendments.

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